Currently available data files (for 2010-2011, 2006-2007, 2003, 2001-2002, 2000, 1998-1999, 1995-1996,
1992-1993) can be used to track trends in tobacco use over time. Most of the same files
can also be used to assess trends in tobacco control efforts, including both formal
workplace and informal home restrictions on smoking, attitudes towards smoke-free policies, and the advice of a doctor, dentist, or
other health professional to stop smoking.

Because of the large sample size for most survey items, analyses can be done at either
the national or state levels, and in some cases, for areas smaller than the state
level. The large sample size also affords the opportunity to study various tobacco control heath disparities.

Researchers who are interested in the economic aspects of tobacco use can
take advantage of the fact that the CPS collects detailed labor force,
occupational, and economic data that can be related to tobacco use.
Additional detailed economic, social, and health insurance data from the March Annual Social
and Economic (ASEC) Supplement (PDF) can be linked to the TUS data because
of the panel design of the CPS. Likewise, other CPS supplements such as Voting
and Registration, Internet and Computer Use, Food Security, and starting with
the 2003 version, the American Time Use Supplement may be combined with the
Tobacco Use Supplement data to enrich analysis and answer other important
research questions.